News: Can we use cannabinoids to block SARS-CoV-2 viral entry?

January 18, 2022 | Can we use cannabinoids to block SARS-CoV-2 viral entry? | Immunopaedia.org.za

Immunology research update from www.immunopaedia.org.za

Hemp compounds identified through the utilisation of chemical screening techniques have shown the ability to prevent viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 in human cells.  Cannabis sativa, also known as hemp, is a well-researched and frequently used plant. It is a great source of fibre, feed and hemp extracts and compounds can be added to cosmetics, body lotions and several other products.

Van Breemen, et al., reported on a pair of cannabinoid acids, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), that can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, inhibiting/blocking a crucial element of the virus’s ability to infect a host cells.

Using a mass spectrometry-based screening technique developed by the group, the laboratory was able to identify the two cannabinoid acids (Figure 2). Additionally, the were able to show that cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subsequently leading to failed entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cells. What is important to remember is that the spike protein is the same target for COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapy.

Being abundant in hemp and many hemp extracts, cannabinoid acids have a good safety profile in humans and contain no psychoactive compounds such as THC. The present study highlighted that the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom, and variant B.1.351, first detected in South Africa (alpha and beta respectively).

SARS-CoV-2 is characterised by crown-like protrusions on its outer surface which comprise RNA strands that encode its four main structural proteins i.e. spike, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid in addition to 16 non-structural proteins and several other proteins. To target these structures, being the receptor binding domain for human cell surface receptor ACE2, is a form of antiviral intervention as it may it some way effect viral infection and/or its replication cycle. Using compounds such as CBGA and CBDA to inhibit or block the virus-receptor interaction may be greatly beneficial in combatting the pandemic. What is of great benefit is that these compounds can be taken orally. It was also reported that there was minimal impact of the variant lineages on the effectiveness of CBDA and CBGA, which has major implications for future variants of concern.

(Interesting: Cannabidiol-possible treatment option for acne).

Journal article: van Breemen, R.B., et al., 2022. Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging VariantsJournal of Natural Products. 

 SOURCE: www.immunopaedia.org.za/breaking-news/can-we-use-cannabinoids-to-block-sars-cov-2-viral-entry